Home > Publications database > Heat transfer analysis of the existing HEU and proposed LEU cores of Pakistan research reactor |
Book/Report | FZJ-2018-02734 |
;
1987
Kernforschungsanlage Jülich, Verlag
Jülich
Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/18389
Report No.: Juel-2118
Abstract: In connection with conversion of Pakistan Research Reactor from the use of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) fuel to the use of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel, steady-state thermal hydraulic analysis of both existing HEU and proposed LEU cores has been carried out. Keeping in mind the possibility of power upgrading, the performance of proposed LEU core, under 10 MW operating conditions, has also been evaluated. Computer code HEATHYD has been used for this purpose. In order to verify the reliability of the code, IAEA benchmark 2 MW reactor was analyzed. The cooling parameters evaluated include ; coolant velocity, critical velocity, pressure drop, temperature distribution in the core, heat fluxes at onset of nucleate boiling, flow instability and burnout and corresponding safety margins. From the results of the study it can be concluded that the conversion of the core to LEU fuel will result in higher safety margins, as compared to existing HEU core,mainly because the increased number of fuel plates in the proposed design will reduce the average heat flux significantly. Anyhow upgrading of the reactor power to 10 MW will need the flow rate to be adjusted between 850 to 900 m$^{3}$/hr, to achieve resonable safety margins, at least, compareable with the existing HEU core.
The record appears in these collections: |